Have a read of my poem ‘Words’ first published in Quadrant Magazine. ‘Words’ is part of my second poetry collection ‘Flat White, One Sugar’ (Ginninderra Press) published earlier this year.

I hope you enjoy it.

Words:

Belly expansions and contractions,

turning our attention to sensations,

we remember the three things you said:

breathe light, breathe slow, breathe deep.

We take control. Above us

the air conditioner hums.

At your own pace,

no need to rush.

Next door a conference

of 43 dentists learn

sensation management.

I swallow the urge to laugh.

A full exhale,

let it all go.

Your words give comfort

as they enter the gaps

between in and out,

slowing down.

Everything will

be just fine.

Afterwards, the morning looks different.

Good work everyone.

Well done.

We roll up our mats,

head for our cars –

safe from the pain,

for now.

Copyright 2024 Libby Sommer

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